If you’re planning a lift involving a crane, one of the first questions you might ask is: how long will it take? While crane operations are known for their efficiency, the duration of a lift can vary significantly depending on several factors — from the type of crane used to the complexity of the job. In this blog, we’ll break down the typical timeframes involved in a crane lift, and explain what affects the total duration from start to finish.

Planning Time vs Lift Time

Many people focus only on the lift itself, but it’s important to understand that the actual lifting is just one part of the overall process. A safe, efficient lift is built on thorough preparation — and that’s where a lot of the time is spent.

1. Site Visit and Lift Planning

Timeframe: 1–5 days (or longer depending on complexity)

Before any crane arrives on site, a proper site survey is usually required. This allows the appointed person to assess ground conditions, access points, and any obstructions.

If you’re booking a contract lift, this is all handled for you — including a full Lift Plan, risk assessments, and method statements.

2. Crane Setup and Positioning

Timeframe: 30 minutes to 2 hours

Once on site, the crane must be positioned correctly and stabilised using outriggers or mats. In tight urban spaces like central London, this may take longer due to limited room or traffic restrictions.

Smaller cranes like city or mobile cranes set up quickly. Larger cranes, or those working on uneven ground, take longer to set up and level safely.

3. The Lift Itself

Timeframe: 10 minutes to several hours

The actual lift may be short and straightforward — for example, placing an air conditioning unit on a low roof. But in more complex projects involving multiple lifts, coordination with other trades, or lifting at height over buildings, it can take several hours or more.

The key factors affecting this stage include:

• Weight and size of the load

• Height and radius of the lift

• Precision required

• Weather conditions (especially wind)

4. Dismantling and Site Clear-Up

Timeframe: 30 minutes to 1 hour

Once the lift is complete, the crane is stowed and removed from site. With mobile crane hire in London, it’s important to factor in time for securing equipment and safely clearing the area, particularly if roads or pavements were closed during the lift.

Summary: Total Time Estimate

While every job is different, here’s a rough guide for a standard one-day crane operation:

• Pre-lift planning (prior to day): 1–5 days

• On-site setup: 1–2 hours

• Lift duration: 30 minutes – 4 hours

• Clear-up: 1 hour

So, for many standard lifts, you’re looking at around half a day to a full day on-site, depending on complexity.

Final Thoughts

The lift itself might be over in minutes — but successful crane operations rely on proper preparation, safety checks, and skilled execution. That’s why working with an experienced team makes all the difference.

At Complete Lifting Services, we manage crane hire across London for jobs of all sizes — from fast, one-off lifts to large, multi-stage operations. Explore our mobile crane hire options in London or speak to our team to find out how long your specific lift is likely to take.